2 decades of service: Phagwara’s silent guardians of health

As India’s healthcare infrastructure continues to evolve, one organisation in the heart of Punjab has quietly but consistently redefined community service. The Blood Donors Council (Regd), Phagwara — now marking its 21st anniversary — stands as a testament to how sustained local initiatives can yield lasting impact.

What began as a modest blood donation drive in the late 1990s under the leadership of philanthropist Kuldip Sardana has grown into a full-fledged hub for community health and welfare. Though formally registered on July 14, 2004, in line with Supreme Court guidelines on blood donation practices, the council had already been active since April 3, 1998. Today, it operates a fully licensed blood centre in Guru Hargobind Nagar, built with contributions from NRIs, social organisations and local philanthropists.

Speaking to The Tribune, Sardana acknowledged the contributions of former Nagar Council president Malkiat Singh Ragbotra and social activists like Gurmit Palahi (Retd Principal) and Harbans Lal, who continue to serve the community through the blood bank’s operations.

According to Sardana, the centre provides free blood transfusion services to around 500 patients each month, catering to individuals with chronic conditions such as thalassemia, cancer and kidney disease. On average, 15 units of blood are issued daily, with no requirement for replacement donations or testing fees — ensuring equitable access to life-saving care.

A major enhancement came with the installation of a Blood Component Separator Unit, facilitated by Rotary International and coordinated by Dr SPS Sooch. Additionally, a -80 degrees C deep freezer for preserving blood components was installed with the support of Sukhjit Starch and Chemicals Ltd, Phagwara.

Yet, the council’s contributions extend far beyond transfusion medicine. Over the past two decades, it has steadily expanded its mission to address a wide range of healthcare and social challenges.

Its twice-monthly dental check-up and denture camps — held in memory of Thakur Devi Sethi and Nanak Chand Sethi — have provided free care to thousands of elderly patients. Conducted in collaboration with Christian Dental College, Ludhiana, these camps have surpassed 300 sessions.

Parallel to these are monthly free eye surgery camps, held across both urban and rural areas surrounding Phagwara. More than 1,000 operations have been performed, often on a walk-in basis. For patients unable to afford prescribed medications, the council also provides financial assistance — acting as a vital safety net for the economically vulnerable.

In the realm of education and digital empowerment, the council runs the Tarlochan Singh Takhar Memorial Senior Citizens Care Centre, which offers daily computer literacy sessions to underprivileged girls and senior citizens. Now in its 15th year, this programme employs two full-time trainers and continues to bridge the digital divide for marginalised groups. The initiative is supported by JCT Mills and Starch Mill management.

The council also operates a wide range of social welfare programmes aimed at fostering dignity and self-reliance. These include bi-monthly ration kit distributions, winter clothing drives and an annual initiative to gift sewing machines to women from low-income backgrounds. In partnership with institutions such as Cambridge School, Phagwara, and GILCO Charitable Trust, Jalandhar, it has also helped secure scholarships for more than 400 students.

Public health awareness and environmental responsibility form another pillar of its work. The “Roko Cancer” campaign, launched eight years ago under the guidance of Global Ambassador Kulwant Dhaliwal, conducts free screening camps to promote early detection. The council’s environmental efforts include tree-planting drives on World Environment Day and Van Mahotsav, educational initiatives on World Ozone Day and the publication of a community-focused environmental clipping magazine.

Beyond direct services, the council has established itself as a key civic partner. Its air-conditioned auditorium hosts public meetings, police workshops and awareness programmes on government schemes. A monthly bulletin documents its work and promotes civic engagement under the guiding motto: “If you create stories, you must tell others.”

A recent survey by the council revealed significant health awareness gaps, particularly among residents of labour colonies and university hostels. With Phagwara’s population exceeding 1,00,000 — and home to major industries like JCT Mills, the Sugar Mill and Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals, along with educational hubs such as Lovely Professional University and GNA University — there remains an urgent need for accessible, preventive healthcare education. The council is actively addressing this through targeted outreach programmes for students and industrial workers.

As it steps into its 22nd year, the Blood Donors Council remains committed to its founding principles of equity, access and dignity. Future plans include expanded outreach in rural healthcare, deeper support for women’s economic empowerment and new educational initiatives for youth. Whether through blood services, health camps or digital literacy training, the council exemplifies how sustained grassroots efforts can quietly — but powerfully — reshape the public health landscape.